1. Literally, to be struck or receive an impact, especially a punch, on one's nose. He took the heavyweight champ's deadly left hook on the nose, and he was knocked out cold then and there. She swung the door open and he took it right on the nose.

2. To endure or accept something negative, especially with stoicism or poise. He just took the criticism on the nose and kept working on his art. I know you're all feeling down about the loss, but we just have take it on the nose and practice harder tomorrow.

3. To receive or suffer the full negative effects of a defeat, setback, or hardship. Our boss messes around with the company's money, but we're the ones who have to take it on the nose when things go wrong. It seems like it will be custodial workers who have to take the budget cuts on the nose.